When God says, “Do not fear,” that declaration does not spare someone from every threat, pressure, or danger they must face. Instead, it strengthens the assurance of His presence, protection, and defence. How would anyone know that God is powerful if they never experience their own helplessness when facing life’s bitter, harsh, and suffering-filled trials? How would anyone know God is the source of peace if they never find themselves under pressure? If believers are fearful, anxious, and restless when facing life’s struggles, it shows a lack of trust in God—or, more strongly, an attitude that resists God.
The Lord Jesus also promised His disciples accompaniment when He sent them out as lambs among wolves. Jesus did not send them without companionship, but with one strengthening word: “Do not fear.” To be sure a promise will be kept, you need a basis to trust it. Like children who trust their parents’ promises because they have lived with them for years and seen them keep their word, believers can trust God because of His consistent faithfulness.
In this context, the one who promises is the perfect Father and the Lord Jesus, who is like Him. If parents in this world can be trustworthy, then the perfect God is even more so. He will never break a promise. He does this because He loves humanity, especially His beloved believers. He promises His presence, protection, and defence. God cannot abandon believers like orphans without accompaniment—Immanuel—God with us. Yet one thing must not be overlooked: God’s accompaniment and presence are felt most when life’s storms enter the vessel of a believer’s life.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:26, “So do not be afraid of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, and nothing is hidden that will not be known.” Believers must live as people who are righteous before God. On that journey, they may face unrighteous people and evil men who employ vile slander and public shame. True righteousness has its own endurance. Truth does not need human validation to be true. Truth is truth. Even if thick concrete covers it, truth will one day be revealed.
Therefore, believers need not fear remaining people of truth who live under God’s rule, even amid a world that does not fear God. But conversely, they should not become arrogant moralists or religious exclusivists who are unapproachable. Jesus said, “I send you…” That means believers must be among wolves without becoming wolves. Remain sheep, even lambs. In this regard, Jesus advised believers to continue living in truth. If a life considered righteous is judged unrighteous, do not hastily defend yourself. Examine the matter and, if wrongdoing is found, correct it. But if no wrongdoing is found, leave it to the Lord, who will judge such accusations. Do not fight back in your own way merely to defend yourself. Give God as much space and time as possible to act in His way.
Jesus also said in Matthew 10:31, “So do not fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.” The price of two sparrows then was a farthing—indicating a very low monetary value. Yet even such lowly, inexpensive sparrows are cared for by God. How much more so for believers. But the question remains: do we trust this?
Even the hairs on a person’s head are all numbered before Him. This image shows God the Father’s deeply personal, detailed, and tangible care for His children—not distant or abstract. God attends to believers’ lives in the smallest details. Therefore, the command “Do not fear” rests on the Person of God who cares for and accompanies us. That promise of God still resonates today. The same God—God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—will accompany believers. That is God’s eternal promise. On believers’ side, firmness is required to keep trusting Him, not fearing, not worrying, and not being anxious, as they face the world with all its dynamics.